Hey everyone... I'm back (again) with another question about iPods, Crossfires, and stock head units.

From my previous thread, I basically figured out that if I want to keep the stock h/u in Mom's xFire, her options for iPod integration are either an FM modulator (ewww) or MAYBE the Dension IceLink Plus. I was finally able to locate a picture of the back of the xF's stock head unit. Just curious if anyone knows if the IceLink Plus would work with this set of connectors.

Thanks so much!!

The stock Becker h/u:
ec43_1.jpg

What I THINK is the proper IceLink Plus device for the above H/U:

 

Try the link below, they may have the answer you are looking for.

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iP...oClip_Brackets

 

Here's the link to the ice-link that i used on my nav unit. I checked my original head unit and it has the same plug in terminals as the nav unit. You have to order the one for the Becker head unit and what type of holder you want for your ipod. I used the docking cable and put the ipod in the glove box. Hope this helps.

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iP...k_Plus_Adapter

 

Thanks, alfdoc. I think we're going to go ahead and order the IceLink Plus (just the dock cable, not the Active Dock). Is it easy to install by myself? What sorts of tools will I need?

Thanks so much!

 

Wonder if this will work?

http://www.mp3yourcar.com/index.php

 

The icelink is plug-n-play, you will have to get the head unit removal tool, which you can buy from most car audio stores, just ask for the Mercedes removal tool. After you get it installed you will probably have to down load a software update from the icelink web site, to your itunes then load it in to your ipod. It will install its self in to the icelink when you plug in your ipod. It sounds harder than it is. If you have any problems let me know.

 

So this thing really works? Trés cool! Can you send some pictures of the install or finished project? Did you put your pod in the glove box?

If this truly a good working solution I'll be all over this. I know there is an issue with only five play list but I rarely have many anyway. I haven't been able to use my pod successfully in this car once.

 

yes it does work and as far as the five track issue i just put the ipod on shuffle and then i put the head unit on track 1 and it will play all the song that are loaded on the ipod. I leave the ipod on and forget about it, when i shut off and restart the xfire it picks up were it left off. you have track fwd and rev, and ffwd and rwd functions available but it won't show the track name or #. its like having a CD changer that will play 20 Cd's {with my nano, which makes me happy}. I was going to take some pic's tonight but found my Canon camera display took a dump on me , luckily i found that they have had a issue with the optical sensor and there going to fix it free of charge even though it 2 1/2 years old, Now thats customer support ! so when i get the camera back i will take some pic's of the install and the icelink.

 

Got it works great took 5 min. to install can control from NAV radio or ipod A+++.

 

OK - so you have a Crossfire with the navigation and this works with the iPod nano?

 

That's the key when you are buying adapters for the NAV unit. You have to look under the Becker product such as the Becker TrafficPro. I found this out when trying to find the cable for the Phat Box.

 

For steveb8699, to answer your question... Yes i have the nav unit and i am using the ipod nano {second generation version}. I hope this answers you question.

 

I am a bit confused. I went to the website listed and they said there is no Icelink Plus for Chrysler vehicles. You need the Icelink FM, it says. Reading the comments, I don't think anyone here is talking about a wired FM modulator.

Quote from the website:
There is currently no ice>Link Plus Adapter available for Chrysler factory fitted radios.
The only option is the Dension ice>Link FM which is a Universal iPod Adapter suitable for any vehicle. By ordering this product you will receive the Dension ice>Link FM. Read on for more information... <End Quote>

Anyway, I have a 2005 SRT6 with the Navi and I don't know what to get. I read the comments about the 5 track deal and it seems like the Icelink connects to where a CD changer is, hence the comments about disc 1, etc. I don't think my headunit will accept a CD changer, so I don't think this will work. Please set me straight. The sound system in this ride is too cool to not enjoy with my iPod. I love the double subs. Someone please save me. I've been all over the net looking at ipod2car, wired FM transmitters, unwired FM transmitters, and everything else. Had no idea it would be this hard to add. I told myself my next car would be iPod compatible but I fell for the Xfire. Aww... I'll add it later, can't be that bad...

Thanks! I hope this thread hasn't gone too dormant!

 

Just get a new head unit with iPod support. Check out the Pioneer that I have in my signature. It has iPod controls via the iB100 accessory and I really like it.

 

I was really hoping to keep it stock. I only have had the car for a week- I haven't even tried the navigation system and I really don't think I'd use it much, but it seems a waste to pull the unit and lose that.

2 Considerations- is the Nav unit worth keeping? Also, how easy of a swap is it? It doesn't look bad, but I know my wife. If we want to take a long trip, I'd like to reserve the option to swap the heads again to have the navi and avoid that argument.

Last ride was an Acura TL, kept it stock because of the funny shaped radio made for ugly mounting kits, even for double dins. Also, it had steering wheel mounted controls that I didn't want to slice to make them work because I knew I'd sell the car someday. Neither of those considerations are an issue with this car, so if the swap is easy enough that I'd do it if I had to, That sounds reasonable. I'm sure there's another forum discussing the best head units to do so I'll check them out.

Anybody just love the navi? What I've read so far is it's more of a pain than a help. I bought mine from the used car division of a BMW dealership so they didn't even realize it had a navi so I didn't pay extra or anything. Thanks for your feedback!

 

It's easy to swap. It's a standard DIN for the headunit and you can basically pick almost any head unit. Some on the forum have picked the JVC KD-NX5000 which has a better screen and detailed graphics... http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5Wo7oO3...p?i=105KDNX500
Crutchfield will also give you all the harnesses you need to install the unit using the factory wiring harness and the antenna adapter. Although $999 is expensive, I've seen this head unit go for as low as $600-$650 online.

 

My suggestion would be to ditch the factory Nav. Aftermarket is more accurate and much less cumbersome and not only that but when you swap out the deck it will make your system sound that much better.

As for the people looking for iPod integration into the OEM head, I have two suggestions. IceLink is one. I work at Tweeter and this is one of the application we use when trying to integrate iPods into factory head units. It's also one of the few things that you can actually connect to our systems. We're limited by the DSP chip for our sound systems, essentially making it damn near impossible to do anything with it (got to love luxury car systems...) and it does have a few big limitations and some have found out. The second way (and my preferred way) is get this unit made by Alpine called the Vehicle Hub Pro. Basically what it is, is a hub to connect aftermarket components (I.E. an iPod) to your factory head unit. It does cost a pretty penny, $500 or so, but the expansion capability is what makes it worth the dough. If you want to check out more details about it go to Alpine's website: www.alpine-usa.com.